Pick, Prediction, & Preview:

USC Trojans vs Utah Utes

The Trojans of Southern California will travel to Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah, to battle Pac 12 foe Utah Utes on Saturday night beginning at 8 pm EST. The last time these teams met was on October 14, 2017 to where the Trojans pulled out a slim 28-27 home win, yet the Utes covered the spread as 13.5-point underdogs. In fact, the Utes have covered in three of the last four outings versus the Trojans while the over is 3-1 in the last four games, overall. The Trojans picked up a 30-21 home win over the Colorado Buffaloes in their last time out as they went up 28-7 late in the second half thanks to three JT Daniels touchdown passes on the day along with a pick six from Ajene Harris en route to the victory. The Utes blasted the Arizona Wildcats at home last Saturday by a 42-10 score as they went up 28-0 at the half while the defense allowed the visitors only 10 points in the second half while giving up only 318 yards total for the game. The home team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings versus these two squads.

USC Trojans's Latest Performance :

The Trojans won their third straight game last Saturday as they took out the Colorado Buffaloes at home due to a stellar outing by JT Daniels, who threw for 272 yards, 3 TD”s, along with two interceptions in the win. Michael Pittman Jr led the receiving corps with 144 yards along with two scores for the Trojans as they were able to win despite collecting 123 yards in penalties along with going two for ten in third down conversions. The defense stepped up also in the win as they not only allowed just 2.6 yards per rush to the Buffaloes, but returned a pick six off Stephen Montez to put the home team up by a 28-7 late in the game. In all, the Trojans’ offense has also been stellar in averaging 31 points per game during their current three game winning streak while they are also 2-1 ATS during this time. This will certainly be a pivotal game for them on Saturday as they will end the Pac 12 schedule with cellar teams such as ASU, Oregon State, Cal, and UCLA, along with a home game finale versus the Fighting Irish to end the season.

Utah Utes's Latest Performance :

After going 2-0 to begin the 2018 campaign, the Utes lost two straight game to where their offense only averaged 15.5 points per game. Nonetheless, the Utes have begun to heat up once again as they have won their last two games while the offense is putting up 41 points per game while covering the spread in two straight games. The reason for their dominance can be largely attributed to their defense that is allowing just 16 points per game. The offense, however, is averaging 28.5 points for the season, yet their rushing attack has been the tip of the spear for their offense in putting up 190 yards per game. The Utes gained 230 yards on the ground versus the Wildcats last Saturday with Zack Moss having 68 yards and a score on 15 carries while the passing attack was led by Tyler Huntley who threw for 201 yards, 2 TD’s, along with an interception as Demari Simpkins led the team with three catches for 78 yards and a score. The Utes will have their work cut out for them as the Trojans are averaging 255 passing yards per game with QB JT Daniels throwing for six TD’s and just two picks in the last three outings while their pass defense has struggled in allowing 225 yards per outing this season.

How USC Trojans & Utah Utes Matchup.

Vegas Odds, Offshore Odds, & Odds ATS:

USC is 2-4 ATS while the OU is 3-3

Utah is 3-3 ATS while the OU is 3-3

In-Depth Analysis of each team:

As stated, the Trojans will certainly fight for a win in this contest as they will likely be in cruise mode to end the season as their opponents, aside from Notre Dame, are currently a combined 8-17 on the year. On the other hand, the Utes will simply look to build from their current momentum in winning two straight games, overall. With a 2-2 conference record, Utah can certainly make some headway in increasing their position within the Pac 12 south if they are able to pull out a victory versus USC, the top seeded team in the division, this weekend. They still have to play Colorado, the second-place team, in November in Boulder, Colorado; Yet, before this game they will play UCLA and Arizona State on the road along with an Oregon squad at home before their matchup with the Buffs. With that being said, with so many variables at play for the winner as well as loser in this contest, expect for both to be at their best as a loss could certainly derail their season.

Against The Spread Selection: Pick: USC Trojans +6.5

My reason for the pick :

As stated, both teams will bring their A game into the contest, however, I will back the Trojans to play well in this matchup as they have certainly gained momentum lately. Of course, the Utes have been outstanding both on offense and defense and may well pull out a victory in this contest, yet I happen to feel as if the Trojans will keep this game close to the end due to the play of JT Daniels along with their defense playing well enough to calm an offense for the Utes that have certainly been on fire lately. In all, with division standings on the line, this will be much more competitive than one thinks.

Totals Selection: Pick: Under 48.5

My reason for the prediction :

I will back the under in this contest in that despite both offenses hitting their stride lately, the under has been the play in the last two games for the Trojans while also being the result in three of the last four games for the Utes. With that being said, look for both defensive units to be locked in as they are well aware of the success that each offense has had recently, which will prevent the total from exceeding 48 points. Furthermore, the Trojans have given up only 20 points per game in their last couple games while the Utes have been solid at home in giving up only 13 points per game in 2018, altogether.

Betting trends for USC Trojans:

Under is 4-0 in Trojans last 4 games following a straight up win.

Trojans are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games on fieldturf.

Trojans are 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.

Betting trends for Utah Utes:

Under is 4-0 in Utes last 4 games following an ATS win.

Under is 4-0 in Utes last 4 games following a straight up win.

Utes are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.

Falepa

A sports analyst and enthusiast, Filipa enjoys writing articles for NHL, NBA, NCAAB, and, of course, for NCAAF. In addition, he enjoys the true art of breaking down games in such as way as to locate certain trends that can impact future contests. With a willingness to research, construct, and relay information that any reader can understand, Filipa aims to provide the reader with interesting & indepth knowledge for upcoming sporting events.